A Colorado mother is facing serious criminal charges after authorities said she left her 4-year-old son in the care of a man who allegedly abused the child as part of a so-called “boot camp” punishment.
Aurora police announced that 23-year-old Destini Rose Lipsky has been charged with child abuse resulting in death following an investigation into the boy’s death.
The case comes days after 24-year-old Alexander Martinez-Armstrong was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Child Found Unconscious With Severe Injuries
According to police, officers responded to an apartment on East Tennessee Avenue in Aurora on the night of May 16 after receiving reports about an unconscious child who was not breathing.
When officers arrived, they reportedly found the boy with severe injuries.
Emergency responders rushed the child to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators said medical staff were shocked by the extent of the injuries, describing bruises covering the child’s body from head to toe.
Investigators Describe Alleged Punishment Methods
Court documents reportedly state that investigators discovered a belt with a broken prong inside the apartment near papers showing childlike handwriting.
Authorities believe the suspect had been forcing the child to practice numbers while punishing him.
According to reports, Lipsky told investigators she had intentionally left her son with Martinez-Armstrong for a “boot camp” meant to correct what she described as behavioral problems.
The alleged issues included lying, sneaking candy, taking items from her purse, and not listening.
Mother Allegedly Approved Physical Discipline
Police said Lipsky described Martinez-Armstrong as being “like a brother” to her and admitted she allowed him to discipline the child using methods she also reportedly used herself.
Those methods allegedly included belt whippings, spankings, push-ups, wall sits, and planks.
Authorities believe the abuse escalated and ultimately led to the child’s death.
Suspects Facing Serious Charges
Martinez-Armstrong was arrested and charged with first-degree murder after the child died while under his care.
Lipsky was later arrested in El Paso County and is being held on a $500,000 bond pending transfer to Arapahoe County.
Court records show she is expected to appear for a hearing on Friday.
Investigation Continues
Police said the investigation into the child’s death remains ongoing.
The case has sparked outrage and concern over child abuse and extreme forms of punishment involving young children.
